The IAM is looking into expanding apprenticeships throughout the union and developing a highly skilled talent pool that will help grow the organization.
The IAM’s National Apprenticeship Strategic Initiative (NASI) is aimed at assisting District and Local Lodges in starting job training and placement programs, while strengthening current initiatives. The apprenticeship programs will span across a multitude of IAM industries, including machinists, aviation, aerospace, woodworkers, shipbuilders, automotive and more, all with the goal of placing skilled workers into good IAM-represented jobs.
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed General Vice President Sito Pantoja to lead the new apprenticeship initiative.
“The IAM is going to lead the way in rebuilding the middle class by creating a skilled, trained workforce in the jobs of the present and the future,” said Martinez. “General Vice President Pantoja, an aviation mechanic by trade who has championed workforce training opportunities for young people, is well-qualified to lead this important effort for our great union. I look forward to the IAM being even more well-known for its skilled, talented and dedicated membership.”
The goal of the program will be to create a national template for apprenticeships to be adopted by any IAM lodge that wishes to develop their own program.
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